Ocho Rios

Most Romantic Spot in Ocho Rios

Dunn’s River Falls & Park is internationally known as one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions, and you’ll find it right on Ocho Rios’ coast! The park includes a beach, craft market, and thrilling zipline adventure, but the falls are the main draw. The travertine rock formations reach nearly 1000 feet above the ground as clear waters cascade between the natural gaps.

The falls’ natural pools are a romantic spot in their own right, though couples will definitely want to embark on the 90-minute trip to the top. Tour guides will assist you as you ascend the falls, and as you’ll be holding hands with your sweetheart the entire way, the trip is both intimate and thrilling. If you plan an afternoon experience, the park’s beach is the ideal location for enjoying the unforgettable sunset.

Expert Tip: Don’t miss The Tranquility Garden! This little gem is tucked in the southern corner of the park and is often missed by visitors. The quiet picnic area, meandering pathways, and gentle stream provide the perfect romantic ambiance for a picnic lunch.

More Romantic Things to Do in Ocho Rios

At the conclusion of your Dunn’s River Falls trip, you’ll find that Ocho Rios has countless other enchanting places for romantic indulgence.

• Jamaica is known for its waterfalls, so be sure to also visit Blue Hole. The natural oasis’ towering waterfall is a spectacular backdrop for swimming in the bright blue waters beneath it. Adventurous couples will want to leap from the falls, swing like Tarzan from a provided rope, or make the short hike to the Secret Falls.
• Animal lovers cannot pass up the opportunity to interact with dolphins at Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios. The natural cove is protected by lush rainforest, and visitors can interact with dolphins, stingrays, exotic birds, and more. You can also add a photo package to your swim to capture this unique honeymoon experience!
• You’ll instantly see why the main beach in the town is Ocho Rios Bay Beach. Its gently swaying palm trees provide ample shade for enjoying the turquoise waters and a horizon that smoothly disappears into the Caribbean. The panoramic views at sunrise and sunset are also beyond description.

All-Inclusive Resorts in Ocho Rios

All inclusive resorts and hotels in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, have a dreamlike quality that is perfectly matched with a honeymoon. Luxury accommodations of all types allow you and your sweetheart to customize your stay with beachfront walk-outs, butler villas, private pool sanctuaries, poolside penthouses, cliffside cottages, and more. Virtually all of the major Ocho Rios resorts are located along Jamaica’s northern coast, so you’ll be enjoying some of the best Caribbean views in the country.

Ocho Rios’ all inclusive resorts boast some of the most stunning accommodations in the Caribbean. The stellar suites and unbelievable views are enough reason to choose an all-inclusive, though the resorts’ stress-free nature is perfectly tailored to a honeymoon. Renowned restaurants, handcrafted cocktails, and a variety of services and excursions are included, ensuring an affordable stay that doesn’t compromise on luxury.

Here are some of our favorite honeymoon resorts in Ocho Rios:

• The adults-only Sandals Ochi touts luxury accommodations that honeymooners will adore. Create your own fairy-tale in the Butler Village Honeymoon Romeo & Juliet One Bedroom Villa Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary. Encompassed in your own private courtyard is a Roman-style pool and adjoining hot tub for a relaxing soak anytime to mood strikes. The Riviera Honeymoon Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite features an oversized balcony and breathtaking Caribbean views. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two, served by your own personal butler. Plus, with the on-site Red Lane Spa, you can arrange for a Tropical Paradise Couples Massage right on the resort’s white sand beach. At the conclusion of another perfect day, watch the sunset while you sip refreshing cocktails on the beach or enjoy a seaside candlelit dinner.
• A stellar suite can be booked at Beaches Ocho Rios thanks to a selection of luxury honeymoon suites, like the Greek Honeymoon Beachfront Walkout Concierge Suite. The resort’s honeymoon suites provide a level of exclusivity and privacy that will make couples forget that Beaches is a family-friendly resort. You’ll also have full access to the Red Lane Spa for a beachfront couples massages or a wide variety of other sensuous treatments. Beaches resorts are also known for their fun entertainment, wet and wild water sports, as well as exhilarating excursions. Roundtrip airport transfers will also be included in your package.
• Couples Sans Souci is an adults-only resort that excels in luxury amenities for newlyweds. Imagine yourselves in one of the resorts’ Hibiscus Cottages on a secluded cliff, or snuggling in the penthouse suite’s Jacuzzi for two. Nightly entertainment and thrilling excursions throughout Ocho Rios are included in your stay, as well as unlimited scuba diving and other watersports. You can speak with the specialized Romance Concierge to arrange a private dinner by candlelight right on the beach or a couples massage in your very own spa gazebo overlooking the Caribbean.

Activities and Attractions in Ocho Rios

Exciting attractions and natural wonders await around every turn during your Ocho Rios honeymoon. Filling your once-in-a-lifetime trip with fun activities couldn’t be easier!

• For an adrenaline rush like no other, be sure to plan a trip to Mystic Mountain. The popular attraction features ziplining, rainforest bobsledding, and a 700-foot SkyExplorer Chairlift that provides lovebirds with some alone time and unbeatable island views.
• Mahogany Beach is one of the smaller, quieter beaches in Ocho Rios. There’s a beachfront restaurant and bar for tasty bites and chilled cocktails, and beach equipment is available if desired.
• Take a ride through a lush tunnel of green ferns at Fern Gully. The journey is about 3 miles and features hundreds of different plants.
• Konoko Falls & Park is a thriving rainforest that encourages visitors to explore its botanical gardens and climb its magnificent waterfall.
• Film buffs will definitely want to add James Bond Beach to their must-visit list. James Bond’s author, Ian Fleming, was perhaps the island’s most famous resident, and this remarkable beach was prominently featured in Dr. No. His former estate, GoldenEye, is attached and is now an ultra-luxury resort.
• Ocho Rios is known for its energetic nightlife scene, and Margaritavilla is a great spot for dancing to the rhythm of the island.

Ocho Rios Restaurants & Local Cuisine

Ackee and saltfish is Jamaica’s national dish, and you’ll find that fresh seafood is a local cuisine staple. Jamaican food is far more diverse than just seafood, though, as it welcomes international influences for original takes on traditional favorites. The country’s warm climate ensures year-round availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, including special favorites like breadfruit, which actually tastes like fresh bread, and guinep, a grape-like fruit that becomes an instant favorite. Top off any Jamaican meal with freshly-prepared desserts like greater cakes, gizzada pastries, or the heavenly tamarind balls.

Don’t miss these romantic dining favorites:

• Enjoying a candlelit meal on The Terrace at Jamaica Inn’s oceanfront patio is the ideal capstone to a day in paradise. The elegant white décor pairs beautifully with the property’s palm trees. As for the sunset, let’s just say you’ve never seen anything quite like it.
• Homemade pasta and fresh seafood are the signatures of PG’s Restaurant and Wine Bar. An added bonus is that the knowledgeable waitstaff will be pleased to recommend the perfect wine pairing for your romantic evening.
• Miss T’s Kitchen has a homelike atmosphere and plentiful selection of seafood, pasta, and even vegan dishes. It’s a great spot for either a casual lunch or a romantic dinner complete with handmade cocktails and an extensive wine list.

There are countless casual spots as well for a delicious lunch or dinner:

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Bamboo Blu is an island favorite for handmade cocktails and succulent seafood. The casual air and beachfront dining combine for the perfect lunch spot after your Dunn’s River Falls experience.

• You can always count on Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Ocho Rios for a tasty margarita, and the swim-up bar and water trampolines only enhance the experience!
• Head to Scotchies for possibly the best jerk chicken and pork sausage in Ocho Rios, if not all of Jamaica!

 

Jamaican Culture & Considerations

Language
English speakers will feel right at home in Ocho Rios. Jamaica’s official language is English, and the country’s spin on it, Jamaican Patois, is enjoyable to learn from locals. The English-based creole language incorporates some West African phrasing to create sayings like “tanks” (thank you), “jus a word” (excuse me), and “a how much fi dis?” (what is the price?). Locals have also shortened your honeymoon destination to “Ochi,” so you’ll fit right in when using the local moniker!

Safety
Ocho Rios is one of the safest towns in Jamaica and a great spot for newlyweds to relax and enjoy the country’s culture. As with any destination, just be mindful of your surroundings and arrange transportation ahead of time if you’ll be enjoying the town’s nightlife. You might be offered crafts or tourism services by a local when visiting one of the area’s public beaches or Dunn’s River Falls, but the interaction will be a pleasant one with a simple “no tanks.”

Tipping
The tipping culture in Jamaica is unlike the U.S. in that most Jamaicans don’t tip for services, but the practice is quite common in resort areas like Ocho Rios. Consider a 10-15% tip for restaurants, but a little bit more might lead to even better service for returning couples! Tipping is not required at many all inclusives, but showing your appreciation to butlers, bartenders, and private waiters with a good tip is always worth it.

Even in a country that is well known as a romantic destination, Ocho Rios is simply paradise for honeymooning couples. Its blend of adventure and relaxation is second to none, and couples seeking a sensuous getaway will find that it exceeds all expectations.

Click here to receive your custom Ocho Rios honeymoon quote from one of our certified honeymoon specialists today!

Traveling to Ocho Rios

Weather in Ocho Rios
It’s always the right time for an Ocho Rios honeymoon thanks to Jamaica’s mild climate. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees while the winter typically stays in the 70s, making it a year-round favorite for swimming and lounging on the beach.

As January and February are the most popular months for tourism, the best packages and travel deals can usually be found in the summer months. The island’s rainy season from June until November is something to keep in mind, though activities are designed to be enjoyed in every season.

COVID-19 Considerations
Similar protocols are being implemented throughout the Caribbean, with Jamaica currently requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test within 3 days of travel. As all requirements are fluid at this time, double-check online or with your travel advisor beforehand to ensure a peaceful trip.

Flights to Ocho Rios
Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) in Boscobel is just down the street from several Ocho Rios resorts and within 20 minutes of virtually all of the city’s best activities. The airport is primarily used by smaller aircraft, so while flights might be available, visitors usually opt for Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, with Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston serving as another option. Popular airlines including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United all fly into Sangster Airport, with non-stop flights from New York, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Orlando, and Boston.

Ground Transfers
Both Sangster and Norman Manley airports are about 60 miles from Ocho Rios, so plan accordingly for transportation. Renting a car at either airport is an easy and affordable way to enjoy some sightseeing on the way to the port town. Or if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, a roundtrip airport transfer is often included in your stay for the easiest travel imaginable. Many resorts also provide shuttles for nearby attractions, though if you plan to hail a taxi or book a private transfer, just be prepared for a little negotiation to get the going rate of a few U.S. dollars per short trip.